Running and how to do it

[Andatwist]

I want to get back into running. I realise how much it helps start my days & much needed headspace.

A couple of months back, I decided to challenge myself. I wanted to do my first 10k. It backfired. After several weeks of following a training program, I started to over think it and got over whelmed . I haven't ran since.

Any advise on getting back on it? I want to improve and progress. I'm more of a plodder . I've used apps to help in the past. Couch to 5k, Nike Running Club & Runkeeper. I would be grateful for any suggestions or recommendations.

Give C25K another go. It's brilliant at building up in baby steps until you can run for 30 mins or so.

And also think about why you want to run - the 10k goal didn't prove very motivating, so what else matters? Running for the sheer enjoyment of it? Feeling your body getting stronger?

Parkrun will be back soon, so go along to that if you possibly can. You don't have to run all of it (indeed it's OK to walk all of it, you won't be last!)

Thank you. I will give C25k another go. I think I'm too shy to try Parkrun!

Have a look at your local running clubs - mine has sessions which are for all abilities (warm up, some general fitness stuff then intervals round a track usually - with some timed runs here and there but all out and back) There are lots of slower/older runners as well as plenty of speedy young things. It can be nerve wracking going along the first few times but worth a try?

I'm going to look into this. Maybe it's time to be brave, join a local club or consider Parkrun once it's back. Thank you!

Parkrun at its most basic is turn up (with barcode) to the start point shortly before 9am. Start running through the course, enter the funnel at the finish, collect token, line up and be scanned (barcode and token) job done.
Socialising optional. Faces become familiar with time.

If I'm wanting to focus on running or have the concentration done for me, I still use C25k/ C25k+ podcasts and repeat them back to back for longer runs. I've run 10-13 miles like that breaking it down into shorter runs, sometimes with the walking interludes. I find that easier than trying to hold a plan in my head.

I've joined a female only running social club. They host virtual and in person running sessions and set all sorts of challenges that are voluntary to help give you motivation/excuse to get out and run.

Have a look on social media to see if anything similar is in your area. I found that having a goal of always taking part in the virtual running sessions stopped me from losing momentum/motivation after finishing C25K and have recently just finished my first 10k which I honestly wouldn't have thought possible this time last year.

In Wales there's a website you can use to find a social running group irun.wales/group-running/ maybe there's something similar in your corner of the world (if your corner is Wales then hopefully I've helped).

Thank you @BogRollBOGOF @WTFisNext Great advise! I'm really pleased I posted on here.

Definitely come along to parkrun…. @BogRollBOGOF post is an excellent summary of low key parkrun! Any chatting pre & post run is purely optional, I got to know people over time. The regular routine of it really helps.

This is all sounding doable. Even Parkrun! C25k - should I go back to week 1? I know I can run at least 20 minutes without stopping ( no running for 5/6weeks). I want to improve pace, actually I want to improve full stop.

Excellent update

Ok, parkrun…let’s make positive steps right this second…click on this link and get yourself registered! Then you can print your barcode and you are all ready to go :)

www.parkrun.org.uk/

C25k…I am sure someone more knowledgeable will be along in a minute!

Check Facebook. There are a couple of ladies/mum low key running clubs in my area that are really supportive.

I think it can be a mental block. I'm pretty fit, I've done marathons and 10ks but post lockdown when I'm in the gym on the running machine I just get bored after 10 minutes.

But I do ten minutes, two or three times a week. I'm pushing myself to do 12 or 15. Just do a little but frequently. Mix it up with a swim or other stuff if you can.

I will register @CalmConfident . I'll check out Facebook and local clubs @fruitpastille some friendly support would be good. Even if my introverted self, might not agree!
I agree @NotSure94 a total mental block. I do weights , reformer Pilates and yoga. The running really helps my head. I've noticed my mood has dipped.

Definitely good trainer to avoid injury when you ramp up pace and distance.

Loads of free online training programs
you need to include few reps of hill sprint and interval training .

Good luck the most important thing is not to push yourself too much too soon or you will just end up injured.

I still get mental blocks after umpteen years and losing track of HMs. Some days I just need that voice talking me through runs that I know I can do. Plus I overthink the twinges

I started running last year having not run for nine years. I didn't do C25K, I just set off with DP in tow, ran as far as I could at a gentle pace, walked when I needed to. I was so unfit it was unreal. I did the same route three times a week, it involved hills as there is no avoiding them round here, and logged it all on Strava. After about two months of this, I switched up the route and went a bit further. I did that route repetitively too, although I mixed it up by doing it backwards. When I then went back to my original route I found it was easier.
I lost it a bit over Christmas as I only had time to run once a week for about four months. I'm getting back into it though, and I've run 10km once a few months ago. Now I run 6-8km three times a week, sometimes a flat run, sometimes hilly. I often stop for a quick stretch half way and facing a hill I always say it doesn't matter if I have to walk it. I rarely do, but sometimes one gets me. I like running in different places and seeing new things. I still run with DP once a week but we have a considerable height difference so my pace is a bit slow for him.

I forgot to add my first run route was just 2.35km. It takes me that to get into a rhythm now!

You could also try looking for a running group on runtogether.co.uk , its part of Run England , the governing body and you’ll get really good support and like minded people. If you have a specific goal then maybe try a running club, but look for one that says its a ‘social’ running club as its much more likely to have a relaxed approach than one that focusses on races / times and ‘training’.

Thank you everyone. I feel encouraged and inspired to get back to it. I got so far with my previous running for a 10k and it was over thinking the longer routes, intervals and hill running that overwhelmed me. As silly, as that sounds!
Maybe finding a local group could help.

I did get a gait analysis after Christmas and some Brooks trainers.

How are you doing OP?

I second looking at - runtogether.co.uk , its part of Run England
I was trying to find a local running club, expecting a group that would run around a track, and discovered that there was a very friendly (free) running group that ran a 5k around my village every week! I had no idea. They cater to all abilities, our leader walk/runs with whoever is just starting out, and the faster ones loop back.

I've not started with an aim, although you do tend to make your own targets as you go. I just like to feel Ive gone for a run so I can eat pizza with impunity!

I think 10k is a very daunting target if you're just starting out. Aim for 5k a few times a week, maybe aiming to get faster, if you can, and once you're comfortable with that, you can work on increasing distance.